Frig tie-down?

[DaktariEd]

I have an ARB 45 Fridge/Freezer in the back of my Horizon adventure trailer (with the "old" axle/suspension).

It is secured by an Engel Transit Slide Lock (photo) (http://www.geocities.com/daktaried/slidelock.jpg), which is bolted to the floor of the trailer.

My question: Is this arrangement sufficient and secure enough for long term use or is it too much strain to place on the plastic feet (that lock into the slide) over time?
Should I add additional tie-downs?

I purchased the slide lock so as to avoid additional tie-downs, but whenever I see the fridges in photos (e.g., magazines) they are usually secured via straps or turnbuckles. I want to be sure I am not missing something, and end up with a fridge with broken feet. :(

Ed

[OutbacKamper]

Ed;
The only problem I have had with my slide-lock was one of the plastic fridge feet vibrated loose. This did not result in any movement of the fridge, the remaining three feet held it in place. I only found out about it becase the loose foot was sitting on the camper floor. I would suggest using lock-tite on the screws securing each foot to the base of the fridge and keep an eye on it, but I don't think you need additional tiedowns.
Cheers
Mark

[gjackson]

I would agree with not needing additional tie downs. Our fridge stayed in place over some pretty rough terrain, and is still holding strong today. I would also agree with putting loctite on the foot bolts.

cheers

[DaktariEd]

Great idea on the lock-tite.
Thanks, gentlemen!
:D

[flyingwil]

I was going to agree on that too. ANything that can vibrate off will at one point. I use lock tite on everything I do.

[elcoyote]

Ed,

I concur about the loctite. We too have experienced the screws coming loose (although this may be a mental problem) on the washboard. When we do fridge installs on our end, we put loctite on the new screws used with the new feet. We have not had a failure on a slide lock to date.

Happy trails!
Mario

[Robthebrit]

I have a couple of Engels and I have always strapped them in with various levels of success. What holds the slide lock to the truck? How easy are they to insert and remove?

Cheers

Rob

[DaktariEd]

The slide lock is bolted to the floor of the trailer. Aside from having to lean over the open door of the trailer, the slide lock itself is pretty darned easy to operate.

I'd like to put it on a drawer-slide mechanism of some sort to bring the fridge & slide lock out over the trailer door, but have yet to figure that part out. Mario was working on something like that...

HTH...

[Robthebrit]

That sounds great, the fridge goes in the back of the mog and bolting down sounds ideal. I asked about removing it because sometimes we use the truck to haul heavy stuff, like 2 tons of rocks for the garden, and in these cases everything has to come out.

I thought you could get factory made sliding sheves for engel/arb fridges (http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?count=5&next=true&category=Fridge+Accessories). Would one of those not work for you?


Rob

[DaktariEd]

I thought you could get factory made sliding sheves for engel/arb fridges (http://www.engelaustralia.com.au/cgi-bin/search.cgi?count=5&next=true&category=Fridge+Accessories). Would one of those not work for you?


Rob
It's a thought. But there is a "lip" on the trailer we have to work around...and has to come out far enough to clear the door frame...doesn't quite fit as is.
Would take some modification...
I'm still waiting to see what Mario comes up with...

[flyingwil]

Ummm I think Mario has allready covered that whith his sliding Slide-Loc as seen in myPortable Fridge/Freeze Technical Article (http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/index.php):

http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/Research/smaller/fig24.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/Research/smaller/fig25.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/Research/smaller/Fig26.JPG

http://www.expeditionportal.com/equipment/equipment_reviews/fridge/Research/Research/smaller/fig27.JPG

[elcoyote]

The new fridge slide is now available. It fits 35 & 45 liter models from ARB, Engel, Norcold & Waeco. For the trailer application, it is mounted on 4 poly block spacers that are 3.5" tall. It could be used in a vareity of vehicle applications as well. The things that are nice about this slide are the facts that you don't have to modify the feet of the fridge, you can still use a Transit Bag (insulating bag), it latches positively in the closed position and is a true 100% full extension slide.
Your opinions and comments are greatly appreciated.

[flyingwil]

Mario-

How much noise would it generate in side a vehicle while off the pavement?

[elcoyote]

When latched, the slide has no slop. The fridge is held in pretty sungly so I think it would run quietly. Do you need to test? ;)

[DaktariEd]

When latched, the slide has no slop. The fridge is held in pretty sungly so I think it would run quietly. Do you need to test? ;)

Mario,
Looks great!
I NEED one!
Sent you an e-mail!

:)
Ed